RESUMO
Researchers have speculated that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has an antiviral effect in HIV infection. To determine HBO's antiviral effect, the authors performed ex vivo and in vivo quantitative assays on HIV-infected plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at baseline and after treatment. The authors also HBO-treated uninfected PBMCs and then exposed them to HIV at ambient pressure. HIV viral load was decreased in the infected cells, and few viruses entered uninfected PBMCs exposed to HBO. The results of this study support the theory that HBO has an antiviral effect.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/terapia , Oxigenoterapia Hiperbárica , Replicação Viral/fisiologia , Infecções por HIV/sangue , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Leucócitos Mononucleares/virologia , Plasma/virologia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Twenty-five HIV-infected patients underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy to determine the treatment's effectiveness in relieving the debilitating fatigue associated with HIV/AIDS and its effect on immunologic function. Patients were treated with 100% oxygen at two atmospheres of absolute pressure three times per week for two months, then two times per week on an ongoing basis. Laboratory markers were assessed monthly. All patients experienced relief of debilitating fatigue within one month of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It was concluded that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective adjunctive treatment in the medical management of HIV/AIDS. Laboratory markers, clinical significance, nursing implications, and cost-effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are discussed.